What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a growth that forms on the body just underneath the skin. This growth is primarily made up of fat cells. While a lipoma can occur nearly anywhere on the body, they most commonly form on the stomach, thighs, neck and upper arms. It is also entirely possible to have more than one growing on your body at the same time.

Seeing a large lump on your body can be extremely scary. It is hard to know if the lump is a cancerous tumor or something completely harmless. All lipomas are non-cancerous. They also do not have the ability to turn into a cancerous tumor. The lump may look suspicious, but it is completely harmless. Getting your soft tissue growth checked out by a qualified medical professional is the best way to find out if you have a lipoma. Our specialist will usually be able to diagnose the lump with a quick visual exam.

Lipomas are believed to be an inherited trait, but there is currently no known medical cause for the growths. If someone in your immediate family has gotten one at some point in their life, then you will likely get one of the painless growths as well. One may also start to develop after a minor injury. Individuals that are middle-aged are more likely to get a lipoma than someone in another age group.

Almost every lipoma has the exact same symptoms, so they are usually fairly easy to distinguish from other similar soft tissue growths on the body. While they are considered to be small lumps, they will rarely be smaller than 1 centimeter. They will also rarely get larger than 3 centimeters. The lipoma will stay the same size for years. You will also have no problem moving the soft lump under your skin without creating any pain. If your soft tissue growth fits all of these symptoms, then you probably have a lipoma.

If you want to get rid of your lipoma, then it can be removed during a minor procedure at Coastal Dermatology & Plastic Surgery. You will be able to go home as soon as the procedure is completed. You should also have no problems completing your normal activities after returning home.